NÉN Dialogues: A Culinary Journey Connecting Vietnam and the World
Nén Global Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, and led by Chef Summer Le, has launched a transformative project titled
NÉN Dialogues. This initiative features a series of culinary conversations, connecting the cities of Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Tokyo through a shared appreciation for gastronomy. Utilizing the philosophy of
“Consciously Vietnamese,” Nén endeavors to express the essence of Vietnam through the use of locally sourced ingredients, engaging cultural narratives, and the passionate perspectives of producers.
The
NÉN Dialogues aims to elevate this approach by using food as a language of dialogue. Each session will see Chef Summer Le collaborate with guest chefs, artisans, and cultural figures to explore thought-provoking questions related to the culinary arts, sustainability, and cultural identity. Topics such as the evolution of cuisine at cultural intersections, the deeper meanings of sustainability beyond sourcing, and the preservation of culinary identity will be examined.
Through these interactions, the culinary landscape will not only be discussed but will also be articulated in each carefully crafted menu and pairing, allowing participants to experience a narrative woven through their meals.
Episode 1 Overview
The inaugural episode, set to unfold on March 1 and 2, 2026, will take place at the flagship Nén restaurant in Danang. Here, Chef Summer Le will host Chef Shunsuke Shimomura from
Resonance Bangkok in a unique two-night event where the culinary traditions of Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand converge. This collaboration will delve into how diversified culinary practices can reinterpret Vietnamese cuisine, highlighting the rich tapestry of flavors and cultural narratives that result from this convergence.
The dialogues and insights generated during Episode 1 will be shared across the series, feeding into the future courses and arrangements at Nén Tokyo, allowing Japanese guests to have an evolving experience based on these interactions.
Event details:
- - Dates: March 1-2, 2026
- - Location: Nén Danang (Vietnam, Danang)
- - Content: Exclusive tasting menu presented by Chef Summer and Chef Shunsuke (limited availability)
The Nén Brand Ecosystem
The Nén brand began its journey in 2017 at Nén Danang, which stands as a pioneer of modern Vietnamese cuisine in Central Vietnam. This restaurant is steeped in the philosophy of **